Attack Decay Sustain Release

Released in 2007 on Wichita Recordings, Attack Decay Sustain Release served as the definitive transition for James Ford and Jas Shaw from their indie-pop roots in Simian to their roles as electronic titans. The album is a lean, percussion-heavy exploration of analog synthesis, famously recorded using a limited palette of hardware to ensure a cohesive, gritty sound. It arrived at the height of the 'indie-dance' crossover, but stood apart from its peers by leaning harder into techno and acid influences rather than pop-rock structures. The record features standout vocal contributions from Char Johnson and Ninja, which provided the 'Hustler' and 'It's the Beat' with their infectious, deadpan character. Critically, it was lauded for its ability to translate the raw energy of a live DJ set into a structured studio album, cementing Ford's reputation as a top-tier producer who would go on to shape the sound of the Arctic Monkeys and Depeche Mode.